MAIDSTONE United and Maidstone Borough Council have taken the unprecedented step of releasing a statement to confirm that plans for a new stadium at Whatman Way are still on the track.

The news comes just days after Stones chairman Paul Bowden Brown fired a broadside against the Council, threatening to sue them if they delayed a planning decision.

The tirade, published on Friday, had an immediate effect. Clear-the-air talks were held on Monday morning and a joint press release said: "A decision on Maidstone United Football Club's planning application is imminent.

"Maidstone Borough Council and Maidstone United FC are working together to finalise details of the proposed development at James Whatman Way, so that the planning committee can consider the application as soon as is practicable.

"The council and football club are looking at the possibility of moving buildings further away from the area where there might be newts.

Brian Morgan, head of regulatory services at Maidstone Borough Council, said: "We are continuing to explore variations to the scheme which may help to resolve the concerns of English Nature about Great Crested Newts."

Mr Bowden-Brown added: "It was a very positive meeting. I've accepted suggestions to try and resolve the outstanding ecological issues and I am pleased the council is committed to working with me to bring Maidstone United home."

The application is for a football stadium, consisting of a playing pitch, main stand, two covered terraces, club house, changing rooms and car parking.